stores moved out of this before those horrid machines begin clicking round the fields; and then, you know, the best flats get picked up so quickly nowadays, and if you're late you have to put up with anything; and they want such a lot of doing up, too, before they're fit to move into. Of course, we're early, we know that; but we're only just making a start.'
'O, bother starts? said the Rat. 'It's a splendid day. Come for a row, or a stroll along the hedges, or a picnic in the woods, or something.'
'Well, I think not to-day, thank you,' replied the field-mouse hurriedly. 'Perhaps some other day—when we've more time'
The Rat, with a snort of contempt, swung round to go, tripped over a hat-box, and fell, with undignified remarks.
'If people would be more careful.' said a field-mouse rather stiffly, 'and look where they're going, people wouldn't hurt themselves—and forget themselves. Mind that hold-all, Rat! You'd better sit down somewhere. In an hour or two we may be more free to attend to you.'
'You won't be "free" as you call it, much
